The Glasshouse

You could say Nardus Williams is quite fond of Handel’s Messiah. She couldn’t wait to tell you about her bond with the piece before she performs in Sage One on 16 December.

“I have never sung with Royal Northern Sinfonia before, so naturally, I’m very excited for my debut! However, I’ve previously performed at The Glasshouse as part of a Samling Institute showcase whilst still a student. So, it’s a pleasure to come back.

“One of the beauties of Handel’s Messiah is it resonates with so many people in so many ways. One’s enjoyment could be religious; it could be musical; it could be as an act of community; it could simply be nostalgia. Like all great works of art, it’s layered and profound, which is why so many people come back to it year after year.

“There is a sequence of recitatives leading up to Rejoice I utterly adore. It’s the opening passage of music I sing in the piece, and there are these short bursts of music, each with a completely different character, each a beautiful miniature, their brevity building a huge sense of anticipation.

“These intimate passages for solo voice are then suddenly answered by the power of the entire chorus, before the music finally erupts with Rejoice, which I love singing because of all the amazingly fun and elaborate melody. Just glorious music!”